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After the death of Constantine the Great in A.D. 337, the territory of the Roman Empire was divided, and jointly ruled by Constantine II, Constantius II and Constans, Constantine's three sons. Following the severe basement of the silver denarius in the previous century, several currency reforms had been instituted. The reform during the Constantinian Era occurred about a decade after Constantine's death, introducing a series of silver-plated bronze (billon) coin denominations, including the Half-Centenionalis.

Symbolic Half-Centenionalis design

Featured on the obverse is the diademed bust of Emperor Constans, draped and cuirassed, surrounded by the legend "D N CONSTANS P F AVG" which represents "Our Lord, Constans: Pious, Happy Emperor."

The reverse depicts the Emperor standing on the prow of a boat, holding a Chi-Rho staff in his left hand, and a phoenix (a classic symbol for renewal), perched on globe in his right, with Victory sitting in the stern steering the ship. Inscribed "FEL TEMP REPARATIO" which translates to "happy times restored," Mint mark for Thessalonica in exergue.